October 21, 2020
In recent days, authorized Mi’kmaw community harvesters, from both Potlotek and
Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Communities, have had over 200 legal traps seized by the Department
of Fisheries & Oceans Conservation & Protection Officers in St. Peter’s Bay. The seizure of
these traps by local officers are without the authorization or authority of their Department
or the Minister. This is unacceptable and unlawful.
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, along with Potlotek and Eskasoni Chiefs and
Councils, have demanded the return of seized traps immediately.
Harvesters in both these communities are seeking support through donations of lobster
traps or funds to purchase lobster traps to replenish the stock for authorized harvesters to
continue to fish for under their community’s Netukulimk Livelihood Management Plans.
As reaffirmed in the 1999 Marshall Decision, the Netukulimk Livelihood Fishery is legal and
we recognize and have heard that there are many Nova Scotians who want to support
authorized Mi’kmaw Harvesters.
Physical donations can be dropped off to the Emergency Command Centre at the St. Peter’s
Canal in Cape Breton and monetary donations of support can be sent via email transfer to
the community directly at: mlafford @ potlotek.ca